For many boaters, winter is the worst time of the year. Your boat sits under a tarp or in storage, doing nothing. A great way to liven up the off-season and put this dreaded downtime to good use is to upgrade your boat so it’s not just a year older when boating season arrives, but is better equipped to make your time on the water even more fun.
Creating a Next Level Wiring System
The off-season is the best time to tackle upgrades because your boat won’t be out of commission when you could be using it. A good first step is to consult with your local dealer to evaluate your boat’s needs and address any upcoming issues that could interrupt next year’s boating season. They can also let you know of new technology that might be a game-changer.
Replacing aging electronics is always a good place to start. Recent advances in screen technology and faster computing capabilities make fishing and cruising easier and more fun. Older systems are typically rigged in separate, stand-alone circuits, which not only prevents them from sharing information but also makes the wiring harness more complicated. When upgrading electronics, a good first step is to install an NMEA 2000® backbone, which expands the capability of Yamaha’s Command Link Plus® system, but you’ll need a Yamaha gateway to connect them. If your system has a Command Link network, you’ll only need an adapter. This backbone is aptly named because it connects all NMEA 2000® electronic devices to a single boating “spinal column” system. Picture a pipeline with T-connectors that connects plug-and-play devices from different brands along its length into a single network. Not only does it simplify wiring, but it also enables each component to communicate with other devices.
Time to Repower?
One of the most significant off-season upgrades is repowering your boat. Not only does this improve reliability when replacing an older motor, but it also dramatically reduces the risk of costly repairs that steal precious time on the water. One potential advantage is adding more horsepower, if possible, which can boost your boat’s thrill factor. Repowering also creates an opportunity for new upgrades that improve the boating experience. If your older motor was a mechanical model, consider going digital this time. While more expensive, this opens up a whole new world.
Many new digital Yamaha outboards, for example, have built-in Digital Electric Steering (DES) systems that eliminate hydraulic hoses and tanks, which can clutter the transom, consume storage space, and leak. Not only does this make driving the boat easier, but it also enables adding features such as an autopilot or the Helm Master® EX (HMEX) system, which includes several joystick control options. For boats with multiple outboards, the joystick can direct the vessel to move in any direction, including sideways, for the ultimate in control. It can also hold the boat in place, like a virtual anchor, for fishing or waiting for a bridge to open. Yamaha also pioneered the HMEX system for single-outboard boats. While lacking the ability to move sideways or hold a fixed position, it not only makes docking easier but also opens up a host of features, like FishPoint® and DriftPoint®, that precisely orient boats to the ideal position for more productive fishing.
The newest innovation from Yamaha is the handheld Helm Master EX Wireless Station, a portable version of its joystick station. This compact unit allows drivers to take control of the full suite of HMEX capabilities in the palm of one hand. An added bonus is that it must be used with a wireless man overboard (MOB) wearable engine cutoff fob in case the driver takes an unscheduled dip. The system also supports up to eight devices, so everyone on board, including four-legged deckhounds, stays safer.
Batteries Are Critical Components
Modern outboards and electronics have one thing in common: both need a stable battery system to operate efficiently and prevent damage. In the old days, batteries didn’t matter as much. When it was time to replace them, you found a battery with the correct specs and installed it yourself. Now, with the advent of new battery types such as Lithium-Ion, there are more options, but an improper choice and installation of batteries and charging systems can wreak havoc on motors and electronic components. This upgrade requires the input and expertise of an authorized dealer to ensure it’s done correctly.
Adding a Siren Boat Monitoring System
Every boater has experienced the disappointment of arriving at their boat only to find the batteries are dead. Even worse, some arrive at where their boat should be only to discover it’s been stolen. A good way to help reduce the risk of either occurrence is to install. a Siren 3 connected boat system. With this wireless monitor, owners can set a geofence to receive alerts and tracking information if the boat is moved without their authorization. It also monitors a host of boat systems, like battery charge, to make sure it’s always ready to go. Dealers can be included in the loop to alert them of pending maintenance issues, and can schedule service calls based on your boat’s needs. Owners can even control certain features remotely using their smartphones.
This winter, check out the latest innovations and get started on upgrading your boat to make sure you enter the new boat season ready for action.
Back to Blue Life
Creating a Next Level Wiring System
The off-season is the best time to tackle upgrades because your boat won’t be out of commission when you could be using it. A good first step is to consult with your local dealer to evaluate your boat’s needs and address any upcoming issues that could interrupt next year’s boating season. They can also let you know of new technology that might be a game-changer.
Replacing aging electronics is always a good place to start. Recent advances in screen technology and faster computing capabilities make fishing and cruising easier and more fun. Older systems are typically rigged in separate, stand-alone circuits, which not only prevents them from sharing information but also makes the wiring harness more complicated. When upgrading electronics, a good first step is to install an NMEA 2000® backbone, which expands the capability of Yamaha’s Command Link Plus® system, but you’ll need a Yamaha gateway to connect them. If your system has a Command Link network, you’ll only need an adapter. This backbone is aptly named because it connects all NMEA 2000® electronic devices to a single boating “spinal column” system. Picture a pipeline with T-connectors that connects plug-and-play devices from different brands along its length into a single network. Not only does it simplify wiring, but it also enables each component to communicate with other devices.
Time to Repower?
One of the most significant off-season upgrades is repowering your boat. Not only does this improve reliability when replacing an older motor, but it also dramatically reduces the risk of costly repairs that steal precious time on the water. One potential advantage is adding more horsepower, if possible, which can boost your boat’s thrill factor. Repowering also creates an opportunity for new upgrades that improve the boating experience. If your older motor was a mechanical model, consider going digital this time. While more expensive, this opens up a whole new world.
Many new digital Yamaha outboards, for example, have built-in Digital Electric Steering (DES) systems that eliminate hydraulic hoses and tanks, which can clutter the transom, consume storage space, and leak. Not only does this make driving the boat easier, but it also enables adding features such as an autopilot or the Helm Master® EX (HMEX) system, which includes several joystick control options. For boats with multiple outboards, the joystick can direct the vessel to move in any direction, including sideways, for the ultimate in control. It can also hold the boat in place, like a virtual anchor, for fishing or waiting for a bridge to open. Yamaha also pioneered the HMEX system for single-outboard boats. While lacking the ability to move sideways or hold a fixed position, it not only makes docking easier but also opens up a host of features, like FishPoint® and DriftPoint®, that precisely orient boats to the ideal position for more productive fishing.
The newest innovation from Yamaha is the handheld Helm Master EX Wireless Station, a portable version of its joystick station. This compact unit allows drivers to take control of the full suite of HMEX capabilities in the palm of one hand. An added bonus is that it must be used with a wireless man overboard (MOB) wearable engine cutoff fob in case the driver takes an unscheduled dip. The system also supports up to eight devices, so everyone on board, including four-legged deckhounds, stays safer.
Batteries Are Critical Components
Modern outboards and electronics have one thing in common: both need a stable battery system to operate efficiently and prevent damage. In the old days, batteries didn’t matter as much. When it was time to replace them, you found a battery with the correct specs and installed it yourself. Now, with the advent of new battery types such as Lithium-Ion, there are more options, but an improper choice and installation of batteries and charging systems can wreak havoc on motors and electronic components. This upgrade requires the input and expertise of an authorized dealer to ensure it’s done correctly.
Adding a Siren Boat Monitoring System
Every boater has experienced the disappointment of arriving at their boat only to find the batteries are dead. Even worse, some arrive at where their boat should be only to discover it’s been stolen. A good way to help reduce the risk of either occurrence is to install. a Siren 3 connected boat system. With this wireless monitor, owners can set a geofence to receive alerts and tracking information if the boat is moved without their authorization. It also monitors a host of boat systems, like battery charge, to make sure it’s always ready to go. Dealers can be included in the loop to alert them of pending maintenance issues, and can schedule service calls based on your boat’s needs. Owners can even control certain features remotely using their smartphones.
This winter, check out the latest innovations and get started on upgrading your boat to make sure you enter the new boat season ready for action.
Back to Blue Life